McMick

I was very pleased with my stay here in August, 2010. It's a convenient location on 24th St, between 5th and 6th Avenues: several subway lines are within a 10 minute walk in either direction, so it's easy to get to anywhere in Manhattan from here. Of course, there are many restaurants in the neighborhood as well as one in the hotel. The hotel is a narrow, newer building sandwiched between two older structures. Space being at a premium in Manhattan, everything is very compact here: from the small lobby to the rooms. There were only 8 rooms on my floor, and the room was small--basically dominated by the very comfortable king-sized bed. Although there was no closet, there was a small armoire, along with a chair and small desk. The room was clean, attractively decorated in shades of beige and brown, and in good repair. Minor defects included an area of chipped tile in the bath and a few scuffs on the wall. There was no bathtub, but a tiled shower stall in the corner of the bath. The hall on my floor was always uncomfortably warm, but the air conditioning in the room worked well. Everyone I encountered among the staff was friendly. I was greeted with a warm welcome upon arrival and each time I passed the reception desk coming or going. I also had positive encounters with a few members of the housekeeping staff. Although I did not need the services of a concierge, there was one available during daytime hours...a nice service for a small, modestly priced hotel.

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: Started with 3.5 stars, Downtown zone, $40...denied. Added zones without 3.5 star properties, and increased by increments of $5, and after two more bids it was accepted at $50. Taxes and fees: $40.32. Grand total: $240.32.

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: Started with Executive Park, 3.5 stars, bid $35...denied. Added South Park zone, maintained 3.5 stars, bid $38...denied. Kept same zones, added 3 star properties, bid $35...denied. Added CLT Airport zone, maintained 3 star and higher zones, bid $38...SCORE! I'm leaving on an early morning flight so I didn't want to be too far from the airport. In the past, I've had much better luck--nicer hotels for less money--in South Park and Executive Park, compared to the properties in the CLT Airport zone. Taxes and fees: $13.37, grand total: $51.37.

We stayed here in August, 2010. The hotel is located about halfway between the Foggy Bottom/GWU and Dupont Circle Metro stations. Our station selection depended on which Metro line was the most convenient to our destination. It a largely residential neighborhood. Although there wasn't too much in terms of restaurants on the immediate block, there were many establishments within a few blocks walking distance. The greatest concentration of retail shops were located on major thoroughfares within a 10-15 minute walk. Most of the travel sites categorize this hotel as a 3.5 star property...which we think is right. It didn't quite have the "fit and finish" of a 4 star hotel but we were very pleased with our stay here. It represented a good value compared to some nearly properties. It appears the building is about 35 years old, and the rooms and lobby were redecorated within the last 5 years. Our room was average size, on the top floor, overlooking a side street. It was clean and in good repair. It was decorated in the usual Marriott scheme of pale yellow and gold with bright red accents...the usual Marriott "climbing vine" carpeting...all of which is quite attractive for a chain hotel. The bed was very comfortable. Although the walls were lined with beautiful gold marble, the bathroom was small and rather cramped. The lobby was divided into several "zones:" a very contemporary look with modern lines and bright color accents. Most of the staff were very friendly. A member of the front desk staff was particularly helpful making last minute adjustments when our flight was canceled.

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: Started at $110, 4 star, with several Midtown zones...denied. Continued to add zones, 3.5 star properties, and gradually raised the bid in $5 increments...multiple denials even up to $130. I then added 3 star properties, notched the bid down to $125...SCORE! The hotel is in a convenient location and overall gets favorable reviews on TripAdvisor. This room is going for $189/night on the Wyndham web site. Taxes $42.56, fees $13.78, Grand total: $306.34

We stayed here July 2010. It's a beautiful hotel in Downtown Coral Gables. A nice change of pace compared to staying in South Beach. We had a larger room with a king sized bed and a sitting area with a sofa. The bed was very comfortable. The room and halls were decorated in shades of chocolate brown and ivory, with designs and patterns in a Moorish style: visually interesting and a nice change of pace from the usual hotel decor. The bath was elegant. We liked the fact the sink--with it's gold-veined marble countertop--was separated from the room with the toilet and tub. There was a very nice swimming pool on the 5th floor rooftop, with the rooms on the higher floors overlooking the pool. Being in the middle of Downtown Coral Gables, the view from the pool overlooks other buildings--a long way to the beach from here! But the location means there are a lot of great locally owned restaurants and shops within easy walking distance to the hotel. Service was uniformly outstanding. From our initial greeting by the front desk clerk, to the concierge, housekeeping staff, restaurant staff, and even the parking attendant--everyone was friendly and seemed sincerely interested in providing a quality guest experience.

We stayed here in July, 2010. Overall, we were satisfied with our stay and got what we paid for. It's a newer property that's about a 15-20 minute drive from the center of Hilton Head Island. Although it appeared larger in photos, it's only about 75 rooms, set within a shopping complex that included a full service (24 hour) grocery store (Kroger,) shops, and restaurants. The room included a mini-fridge and microwave. Therefore, we were able to store and prepare some light meals and snacks in the room with purchases from Kroger, as well as from "doggy-bag" leftovers from a nearby restaurant. The room itself was reasonable size, but not a "suite" as the name of the property implies. A suite is several connected rooms. This was a larger-than-average room with a waist-high wall separating the bed from the sofa-bed. The furnishings were of mediocre quality that one would expect for a 2.5 star property. The room was clean and mostly in good repair--there were some minor carpet stains, and the walls around the plastic shower stall showed some water damage. Rather incongruous to the plastic shower stall was an exceptionally long, granite countertop in the bath--lots of room to put things. The bed was comfortable, the sofa (used as a sofa, not as a bed) was especially uncomfortable. One major complaint is that the room was very dark. All the lamps and light fixtures had cheap incandescent bulbs that seemed to be less than 60 watts. Whatever the wattage none of them provided enough light. We were surprised because most of the hotels we stay at now have the compact fluorescent bulbs which can deliver a lot of light for much less wattage. The staff was evenly divided between fairly friendly to indifferent. The modest breakfast buffet that is included was OK. The make-your-own malted waffle is pretty good, the sausage is OK, the bland eggs not so good. Free coffee was available until quite late into the evening. There was a small outdoor swimming pool that was usually inactive during the day but more popular with families in the evening.

I'm attending a meeting being held at the Ritz-Carlton, Washington (at 1150 22nd St NW) The "special rate" for the meeting at the Ritz is $229/night, and of course I knew I could do WAY better than that. Especially in August in DC, when Congress is not in session and things slow down quite a bit. When in DC, I usually stay near Dupont Circle because I really like the neighborhood vibe, ample restaurants and shops, and convenient proximity to the Metro. But to get a good deal I was open to staying within two nearby zones: White House-Downtown and Georgetown-Foggy Bottom. Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: Started with 4 star, Dupont Circle, $60...denied. Added White House, maintained 4 star, increased to $65...denied. Added other zones without 3.5 and 4 star properties, maintained 4 star, and got up to $80...all denied. Added 3.5 star properties, reduced bid to $60...denied (I learned on BetterBidding to reduce your bid when you decrease the stars...) Added Georgetown-Foggy Bottom, increased to $65...SCORE! THE ULTIMATE IRONY: the Marriott Washington Westend (1221 22nd St NW) is a 3 minute walk to the Ritz-Carlton! I was a bit hesitant to add the Georgetown zone, because I was afraid of winning a hotel that was too far from Dupont Circle-- but this Marriott is on the east side of the Georgetown zone and only about a 10-15 minute walk to the Dupont Circle area. And I'll have a chance to explore a new neighborhood too. On the Marriott web site, this room is $149/night. Taxes and fees: $46.40. Grand total: $306.40. Thank you BetterBidding for providing this wonderful forum!

We had a fine stay here in July, 2010. The property is located near RDU airport, but being in an office park, there isn't much nearby in terms of shops or restaurants. Nevertheless, service was very good the room represented a good value. The breakfast buffet--with made-to-order omelettes--was above average and worth considering given the $10 all inclusive price. The room was very clean and in good repair, with the usual bland (my wife calls is "conservative" and "safe") ivory and sage green traditional decor. However, the staff at the front desk were eager to report the upcoming renovation and redecoration of the hotel beginning in August, 2010. We were shown previews of the upcoming new decor, and we liked it very much--more contemporary and edgy, with accents of plum purple and bright lime green.

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: Started with 3 star, Crabtree, $41...denied Maintained 3 star, added RDU zone, increased to $42...accepted! Taxes and fees: $13.23, Grand total: $55.23.

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: On Priceline, the Hilton Head area is divided into Hilton Head Island and (nearby) Bluffton. Star levels are "resorts," 2.5 and 2 stars. No 3 or 4 star properties, although one would assume those would be included with the "resorts." First bid was "resorts," Hilton Head zone, $80...rejected. Added 2.5 star properties, maintained Hilton Head zone, reduced bid to $50...denied. Maintained 2.5 properties, added Bluffton zone to Hilton Head, increased bid to $60...accepted! On Travelocity this is listed as a 3 star property. I'm guessing this is the 2.5 star, $76 hotel in Bluffton on Hotwire for the same dates. On the hotel web site, the room is listed around $90/night. Taxes and fees: $30.99 Grand total: $210.99

Hi Traveladdict--We've stayed at this property AND the nearby Marriott (that's around the corner)--both via previous PRICELINE bids. At $50, the Westin is a fine value, but I agree with you that the parking fee is annoying. Especially since none of the other area hotels charge for parking--not the nearby Marriott, not the more modest properties across the street, etc. I guess they charge for parking since there is an office complex immediately adjacent to the Westin and they don't want the office workers parking in the hotel lot. Usually there is a parking fee because of urban density; this property is in more of a suburban setting so charging for parking is particularly irksome. A rating of 3.5 stars is appropriate for this property. It's not as nice as some other Westin's that we've visited. It appeared that it was refurbished with a very contemporary decor a few years ago. But it didn't have the attention to details and "fit and finish" of a 4 star property. And the surrounding neighborhood isn't very interesting--and all spread out--with a lot of ordinary and average restaurants, stores, etc. That's why we now stay in Coral Gables...you'll see our post in the priceline forum listed a few days after yours. For the same money, we stay in a better hotel set in the middle of a vibrant, sophisticated neighborhood with dozens of excellent restaurants and shops--all within easy walking distance from the hotel. Yes, there is a parking fee--around $12-13 per day--but given the urban density it is expected and appropriate.

Thanks for the information as to the origin of the "recommendations" and your best guess about this 2 star property. On TripAdvisor, the Days Inn's ratings are all over the place, from many at 1 ("worst hotel room ever") to as many at 5 ("wonderful stay")--and some in between. So I'm going to hold off on buying this room for now, but will let you know where I eventually book my accommodation.

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: We really wanted to stay in Coral Gables, so I started there with 4 star, and $42...rejected. Maintained 4 star, added other zones without 4 star properties, and after two more bids the $48 was accepted. Tried a similar bidding strategy a few weeks ago--got up to $50 and still rejected--so I'm glad I waited. We stayed here last summer with the help of BetterBidding. It's a beautiful hotel, but what I remember most is the excellent customer service...and the rooftop swimming pool. On the Hyatt web site, this room is going for $167.20 a night! Coral Gables is a nice alternative to South Beach; the neighborhood surrounding this hotel has excellent restaurants and some nice shops. Of course, we'll spend at least a day (or two) in South Beach, but it will be wonderful to spend some time here again. Taxes & fees: $28.20, Grand total: $172.20.

Looking at a 2 star Hilton Head property for 7/14/10-7/17/10. It's $49. Amenities: breakfast, fitness, pool, laundry, internet, golf nearby, tennis nearby. Also, "80% recommend." I assume the recommendations are from TripAdvisor, and the only 2 star hotel that I could find on TripAdvisor with that high percentage of recommendations was the Hampton Inn...but TripAdvisor labels it a 2.5 star hotel. Any ideas would be appreciated!

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site... I really wanted to stay in Perimeter, so I started at 4 star and $35--and re-bid using zones with 2 and 2.5 star properties. I got up to $45, and they were all denied. I added 3.5 star, reduced my bid to $35, and again re-bid several times with other (lower star) zones until the $44 bid was accepted. I've stayed here before; the suites are pretty nice and the mini-fridge and microwave can help save some money on meals. And if I recall, there are two swimming pools (indoor and outdoor.) Another fantastic value with the help of BetterBidding!

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site... First bid was 4 star, NMA/River North zone, $65...denied. Added Millenium Park/Loop/Grant Park zone, maintained 4 star, $65...denied. Added 3.5 star properties, maintained above two zones, bid $60...SCORE! This is a great price for such a good location...much better located than the Club Quarters in the Loop. Taxes and fees: 26.74. Grand total: $146.74.

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: Started with 4 star, USE, $65...denied. Added USW, maintained 4 star, increased bid to $70...accepted! Taxes and fees: 18.57, grand total $88.57

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: Started with 4 star, Perimeter, $35: denied. Maintained 4 star, Perimeter, added Forest Park, increased to $38: denied. Added 3.5 star, maintained Perimeter and Forest Park, reduced to $35: denied. Maintained 3.5 and 4 star, added Morrow to Perimeter and Forest Park, increased to $38: accepted! Taxes and fees: $12.66, grand total $50.66.

Got this on the first bid, which always makes me wonder how much lower I could have bid... Taxes and fees $19.24, Grand total $99.24. Of course, I used the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site!

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: Started with 4 star, Millennium Park/Loop, $60...denied Maintained 4 star, added NMA-River North, increased bid to $65...SCORE! Taxes and fees: $38.94, grand total: $233.94. I've stayed at many hotels in Chicago, but never here, so I'm really looking forward to seeing this historic property.

Used the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site. First bid was 3 star, North-Airport, $40...rejected. Several subsequent bids that included additional zones, included 2.5 star properties, and went up to $45 were all rejected. When I added 2 star properties, and had all zones included, I lowered the bid to $40 and it was accepted. This appears to be property not previously documented on BetterBidding. I can't recall staying at a Holiday Inn that was rated at 2 stars. Usually they are 3 star, sometimes 2.5. Holiday Inn Express properties are usually rated at 2.5 stars. Taxes and fees: $11.74. Grand total: 51.74.

Using the PRICELINE link on the BetterBidding web site: My first bid was 4 star, $60, Dupont Circle...rejected. I kept Dupont Circle and the $60 bid, and added 3.5 star properties...SCORE! I really like the Dupont Circle neighborhood and so I didn't really want to stay anywhere else. I'm very excited about staying at The Churchill--it looks like a wonderful property in a very convenient location--and at a awesome price! Taxes and fees: 34.14; grand total: $214.14.

Using the HOTWIRE link on the BetterBidding web site: Amenities: Comp. Breakfast, Fitness, Business Center, Laundry, High-Speed Internet, Golf Taxes and fees: $12.26; grand total: $64.26. I've stayed here before so I was quite confident it was the same property. It's nothing fancy, but the location is right off the freeway, the staff tries hard, and the complimentary breakfast is pretty good. Althought the room rate is the same, I do note that the taxes and fees have increased since my last stay here.

Used the HOTWIRE link on the BetterBidding web site. Appears to be a new listing for Greensboro. Amenities: Fitness, Pool, Laundry Taxes and fees: $12.79, Total cost: $55.79